AGP Executive Report

Extreme Sports & Congo Basin: Welsh adventurer Ash Dykes has kicked off “Project 6,” a month-long 700km paddle down the Sangha River in the Republic of the Congo Basin, starting this weekend with a croc- and hippo-infested route that follows his past solo expeditions. Culture & Education: UNESCO and Codemao are expanding AI and coding training across Africa, reporting that over 200 teachers—including 45% women—from the Republic of the Congo and other countries completed an initial UNESCO program. Human Rights Watch: Congo-Brazzaville’s OCDH says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, demanding names, independent inquiries, and prosecutions. Local Mobility: A Brazzaville/Pointe-Noire commentary argues public transport is failing residents—potholed roads, fuel shortages, and irregular service—calling it a constitutional duty. Arts & Literature: The DNL unveiled “René Depestre, a Century of Sparks,” a collective literary tribute featuring 41 authors and readings plus a performance by Titi Congo. Music Legacy: Tributes continue for calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, remembered for carrying Caribbean storytelling worldwide.

Literature & Culture: Haiti’s National Book Directorate unveiled “René Depestre, a Century of Sparks,” a tribute volume bringing together 41 authors, with readings and performances marking Depestre’s lasting influence. Education & Tech: UNESCO and Codemao are pushing AI and coding training across Africa, using a train-the-trainer model; teachers from the Republic of the Congo were among those trained, with women making up 45% of participants. Arts & Community: Muralist Victoria Canby is working on a new piece exploring nuclear colonialism, after years painting community-rooted work in Clarion Alley. Human Rights (Congo-Brazzaville): A Congo rights group says 561 people have disappeared after arrests linked to “Zéro Kuluna,” urging names, independent inquiries, and prosecutions. Urban Life: A Brazzaville/Pointe-Noire commentary argues public transport breakdowns are failing constitutional duties, leaving commuters stuck with potholes, congestion, and scarce vehicles. Music & Memory: Tributes and reflections continue around calypso icon Mighty Sparrow, remembered for carrying Caribbean stories worldwide.

Human Rights Watch: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory (OCDH) says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, calling for names, independent inquiries, and prosecutions. Urban Life & Mobility: A Brazzaville/Pointe-Noire commentary argues daily commutes are becoming an ordeal due to potholed roads, congestion, higher fares, and a weak state transport company—framing public transport as a constitutional duty. Education Reform: Congo’s schooling shake-up includes scrapping the CEPE format and moving from CM2 to 6e, plus new lycées in the hinterland to cut long travel and reduce dropout risk. Culture & Community: A Congo Town radio report highlights Liberia’s Holiness Revival Movement urging Christians toward “righteousness, holiness,” and biblical truth. Sports & Identity: Algeria’s Rayan Aït-Nouri is profiled for his steady rise at Wolves and his pride in Muslim faith. International Links: Russia and the Republic of the Congo sign a 2026–2028 cooperation plan spanning energy, industry, transport, agriculture, science, education, and culture.

Faith & Society: Spiritan Superior General urges communities to feel at home and warns against tribalism and racism, noting prejudices and divisions can also exist within the Congregation. Culture on Screen: “Danza con Diablos” film screening pairs tradition-keeping with a panel and community meet-up, tracing African roots and the history behind the dance. Forests & Livelihoods: A World Forest Week/FAO COFO28 discussion spotlights how forests sustain food, resilience, and prosperity—linking conservation to real community needs. Human Rights Watch: Congo rights group OCDH presses the DGSP over “Zéro Kuluna,” saying 561 people disappeared after arrests outside the judicial framework and calling for names and independent inquiries. Education Reform: Congo’s education ministry moves to replace CEPE with a new transition format and opens more lycées in the hinterland to cut long travel and reduce dropout risk. Local Mobility: A Brazzaville/Pointe-Noire commentary says daily commutes are becoming an obstacle course, arguing public transport is a constitutional duty the state must deliver. Community & Identity Abroad: Congolese nationals in Lyon hold a “mbongui” with the consulate to discuss passports, consular services, and participation in elections. Health & Schools: AGL Congo launches École Prospère with a first school infirmary project to close gaps in pupil healthcare and prevention.

Human Rights Watch: Congo’s Human Rights Observatory (OCDH) says “Zéro Kuluna” security operations have led to 561 enforced disappearances, demanding names, independent inquiries, and prosecutions. Education Reform: Congo’s education ministry says the CEPE exam is being replaced from next year, with a new path from CM2 to 6e and a push to strengthen preschool and reduce long school commutes. Urban Mobility: A Brazzaville/Pointe-Noire commentary argues public transport is failing residents—potholes, congestion, rising fares, and weak state transport capacity—calling it a constitutional duty. Diaspora & Consular Life: At Lyon’s consular fair, Congolese nationals held a “mbongui” with diplomats focused on practical issues like passports, consular documents, and voting access. Culture & Community: “Black After Hours” expands Black creative programming in New Zealand, while Congo-linked cultural coverage highlights African arts reaching new audiences. Regional Cooperation: Russia and the Republic of the Congo signed a 2026–2028 cooperation plan spanning energy, industry, transport, agriculture, science, education, and culture.

Public Transport Pressure in Brazzaville & Pointe-Noire: A local commentary says daily commutes have become an “obstacle course,” blaming potholed roads, congestion, fuel shortages that push fares up, and the lack of a reliable state transport company—arguing mobility is a constitutional duty. Congo-Russia Cooperation: President Denis Sassou-Nguesso met Russia’s energy deputy Pavel Sorokin as the two countries signed a 2026–2028 plan covering energy, agriculture, healthcare, transport, industry, and even culture and education. Congolese Diaspora Culture in Lyon: Congo took part in Lyon’s consular festival, with a “Tales and Legends of the World” theme and a citizens’ “mbongui” style focus on practical consular issues like passports and elections. Education & Health Support: AGL Congo launched École Prospère with a first school-infirmary project at CEG Mbota Raffinerie, aiming to close gaps in child health and prevention at school. Community & Creativity: “Black After Hours” highlights Black community, culture, and creativity through performances and conversations during the Wellington Jazz Festival period.

Tourism & AI Push: Brazzaville marks World Tourism Day by betting on digital tools and artificial intelligence to lift Congo’s tourism GDP share from 3% to nearly 10%, aiming to boost the country’s cultural visibility. Cultural Diplomacy in France: Congo’s consular mission in Lyon holds a “mbongui” citizens’ assembly focused on practical issues like passports, consular services, and voting access for Congolese abroad. Education Support in Congo: AGL Congo launches École Prospère with a first school infirmary at CEG Mbota Raffinerie, backing pupils’ health and prevention. Science & Nature Spotlight: A new penguin species is confirmed for the first time in 100 years, with research noting how isolated populations evolved into separate species. Sports & Music Energy: A Congolese guitar player appears in an Irish audio culture feature linking African rhythms to new storytelling. Regional Cooperation: Russia and the Republic of the Congo sign a 2026–2028 cooperation plan spanning energy, agriculture, healthcare, transport, and culture.

Tourism & Culture Policy: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by pushing a digital-and-AI plan to lift Congo’s tourism GDP share from 3% toward nearly 10%, aiming to make the country a top Central Africa destination. Local Governance & Community Life: At Lyon’s consular festival, Congo’s delegation joined the diaspora for “Tales and Legends of the World,” while a separate “mbongui” meeting focused on practical issues like passports and consular services for Congolese in France. Diplomacy & Energy: President Denis Sassou-Nguesso met Russia’s deputy energy minister, with a 2026–2028 cooperation plan covering energy, agriculture, healthcare, and transport. Education & Youth Support: AGL Congo launched École Prospère with a first school-infirmary project, backing pupils’ health and prevention. Education Systems: Liberia’s education ministry consulted on a real-time school data system to speed decisions—an example of how regional education policy is evolving. Arts & Media: Silicon Valley African Film Festival returns Oct. 8–11 with films from 33 countries, plus an African market and live performances. Music Legacy: Tributes continue for Moses Matovu, remembered as a defining force behind Uganda’s Afrigo band sound and modern live-band tradition. Faith & Revival: HOREMOW intensified evangelism in Liberia, promoting holiness and biblical teachings through church networks.

Tourism & Culture Policy: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by pitching digital tools and AI to lift Congo’s tourism GDP share from 3% to nearly 10%, aiming to compete in a “war of destinations.” Diaspora Civic Life: At Lyon’s consular festival, Congo’s mission held a “mbongui” citizens’ assembly where Congolese residents raised practical issues like passports and elections, using symbolic “visas” to move between cultural stands. Education & Community Support: AGL Congo launched École Prospère with a first project focused on a school infirmary at CEG Mbota Raffinerie, partnering with ASMS to close school health gaps. Arts & Leadership: Lookingglass Theatre unveiled a new ensemble-driven leadership structure, bringing David Schwimmer in as producing director alongside elected co-artistic directors. School Data Reform: Liberia’s education ministry (via a stakeholder push) is seeking a real-time education data system to monitor schools and respond faster—an approach Congo policymakers may watch. Remembering a Music Icon: The Caribbean mourns Mighty Sparrow, whose global calypso legacy included songs like “Congo Man” and “Congo Man,” and whose death at 91 sparked tributes worldwide.

Tourism & Tech: Brazzaville marked World Tourism Day by pitching AI and digital platforms to lift Congo’s tourism GDP share from 3% to nearly 10%, aiming to win the “war of destinations” in Central Africa. Culture & Community: The Feel the Rhythm of the Drums International Festival returns Oct. 3 at Music Box Village with a free, multi-country lineup and workshops celebrating drumming, dance, food, and diaspora connections. Sports & Identity: Congo’s football scene gets a shake-up as Fecofoot elects Éric Alain Mantot as president with a decisive vote in Brazzaville, setting a new four-year direction for the federation. Arts & Heritage: The Privat Frédéric Ndéké Foundation reports progress on its 2026 program—7 activities completed, 3 underway, 5 pending—focused on reintegrating youth and improving living conditions. International Spotlight: A Russia–Congo intergovernmental commission session begins in Brazzaville, with both sides stressing trade diversification and cooperation across education, research, energy, and security. Global Culture Note: The week also saw major international cultural coverage, including tributes to calypso legend Mighty Sparrow and a U2-themed World Communion Sunday service.

Cultural Diplomacy in Brazzaville: An Intergovernmental Commission session between Russia and the Republic of Congo opened in Brazzaville on Sept. 28, with both sides stressing trade diversification and highlighting cooperation in education, research, defense, security, energy and hydrocarbons. Football Governance: Fecofoot’s Sept. 26 vote in Brazzaville crowned Éric Alain Mantot with 87.5% of the ballots, setting a new four-year executive team amid reports of institutional strain around the election. Community & Youth Support: The Privat Frédéric Ndéké Foundation (FPFN) reported mid-term progress on its 2026 programme in Brazzaville: seven activities completed, three underway, and five still pending, focused on reintegrating young people and improving living conditions. Music & Heritage: Congo Square traditions and international drumming groups are set to feature at the free “Feel the Rhythm of the Drums” festival on Oct. 3 at Music Box Village, celebrating African and diaspora cultural ties through performances, dance, and workshops. Arts Spotlight: A Congolese musician’s life story is being turned into short films under “Stories of Resilience and Change,” with online screenings planned for November and beyond.

Football Governance: Éric Alain Mantot won the Fecofoot presidency in Brazzaville on 26 September with 87.5% of the vote, in a vote described as tense and shadowed by arrests and pressure around the ballot. Civic & Youth Support: The Privat Frédéric Ndéké Foundation reported that 7 of its 15 2026 activities are already completed, with 3 underway and 5 still pending, as it reviewed reintegration of young people and social aid in Brazzaville. Culture & Music Loss: The Caribbean mourns calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” who died in New York at 91 after a brief illness, leaving behind decades of political wit and iconic songs. International Diplomacy (Congo): An Intergovernmental Commission session between Russia and the Republic of Congo opened in Brazzaville, with both sides pushing trade diversification and cooperation in education, research, energy and security. Education & Skills: Congo and Cameroon discussed opening the Souanké mining school to Cameroonian students, aiming to turn the Sangha centre into a cross-border skills hub. Public Health Watch: The UN’s General Assembly pandemic-preparedness push highlighted the risk of another outbreak, with Ebola still spreading in Congo.

Ebola & Health Workforce: The UN General Assembly’s pandemic-preparedness push comes as Congo’s Ebola outbreak strains systems, with WHO warning the country is running short of health workers to manage the surge. Cultural Loss: Calypso legend “The Mighty Sparrow” (Slinger Francisco) has died at 91 in New York, remembered for decades of sharp social commentary and for carrying Caribbean music worldwide. Regional Development & Skills: Congo and Cameroon are discussing opening the Souanké mining school to Cameroonian students, aiming to turn the Sangha center into a cross-border training hub for iron-basin projects. Local Governance & Security Leadership: Brigadier General Gildas Olangué took charge of Congo’s national gendarmerie in Brazzaville, in a formal handover staged before top security command. Innovation in Cities: Kintélé’s mayor asked Congo’s Senate to help secure partners for SIIV.IA, an African cities innovation summit planned for March 2027. Arts & Identity: Levi’s and Italy’s Afro Fashion Association unveiled “Voices of Denim,” spotlighting Black, Indigenous and people of color creatives reworking denim through their own cultural lenses.

Music Loss: Calypso legend Slinger Francisco, “The Mighty Sparrow,” died at 91 in New York, leaving behind a seven-decade catalogue of sharp social satire and Caribbean identity. Faith & Culture: Reports say his final years deepened his Christian faith, with family noting a baptism into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Local Security: In Brazzaville, Brigadier General Gildas Olangué formally took charge of Congo’s national gendarmerie, in a handover presided over by the interior minister. Education & Skills: Congo and Cameroon discussed opening the Souanké mining school to Cameroonian students, aiming to turn the Sangha centre into a cross-border training hub. Arts & Fashion: Levi’s and the Afro Fashion Association unveiled “Voices of Denim” in Milan, spotlighting Black, Indigenous and people of color creatives reworking denim as cultural memory. Public Health: Congo’s Ebola response is strained by a shortage of health workers in North Kivu as cases surge, with treatment centres overwhelmed and child deaths a major concern. Civic Innovation: Kintélé’s mayor asked Congo’s Senate to help secure partners for SIIV.IA, an African cities innovation summit planned for March 2027.

Ebola Response in Congo: The WHO warns Congo is running short of health workers as Ebola surges in North Kivu, with cases up sharply and treatment centers overwhelmed, even as some provinces show easing. Health Workforce Crisis: Another WHO update highlights the strain on Ebola care staffing across eastern Congo, where insecurity, displacement, and a health workers’ strike are making containment harder. UN Pandemic Planning: At the UN General Assembly, leaders and health officials pushed pandemic preparedness back onto the agenda, citing COVID lessons and flagging Congo’s Ebola situation as a reminder that outbreaks can return fast. Local Governance & Innovation: Kintélé’s mayor asked Congo’s Senate to help secure partners for SIIV.IA, an Africa cities innovation summit planned for March 2027, focusing on health, sanitation, education, and mobility. Culture & Identity in Fashion: In Milan, the Afro Fashion Association and Levi’s unveiled “Voices of Denim,” a cultural exhibition built around new creative voices and heritage. Music Spotlight: Afro Nation Portugal 2027 announced its first wave of acts, including Congolese star Fally Ipupa, alongside Davido and Rema. Security Leadership: Brigadier General Gildas Olangué took charge of Congo’s national gendarmerie in Brazzaville in a formal handover ceremony.

Health Crisis: WHO says Congo is running short of health workers as Ebola remains out of control, with cases surging in North Kivu and treatment centers overwhelmed. Public Safety & Administration: Brigadier General Gildas Olangué took charge of Congo’s national gendarmerie in Brazzaville, in a formal handover led by the interior minister. Cross-Border Skills & Industry: Congo and Cameroon discussed opening the Souanké mining school to Cameroonian students, aiming to turn the Sangha center into a regional mining training hub. Culture & Lifestyle: Afro Fashion Association and Levi’s unveiled “Voices of Denim” in Milan, spotlighting Black, Indigenous and people of color creatives reworking denim as a cultural platform. Local Development & Civic Networking: Kintélé’s mayor asked Congo’s Senate to help secure partners for SIIV.IA, an African cities innovation summit planned for March 2027. Diaspora & Global Spotlight: A National Geographic series will feature an FIU researcher studying dwarf crocodiles in Gabon, bringing Congo-linked conservation science to wider audiences.